Around the World in 80 Games - Marcus du Sautoy

Join Marcus as he takes us on a mathematical journey across the centuries and through countries, continents and cultures in search of the games we love to play. Based on his new book, he looks at the way mathematics has always been deeply intertwined with games and investigates how games themselves can provide us with opportunities for mathematical insight into the world.
From backgammon to chess, Catan to Snakes and Ladders, games are not simply an enjoyable diversion. They are rather the height of human ingenuity. Ours is the species that loves playing games: not homo sapiens but homo ludens. The lecture is suitable for everyone ‘from age 8 to 108.’ Come and join Marcus on his journey Around the World in 80 Games. You simply can’t lose…
Marcus du Sautoy is Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science in Oxford and Professor of Mathematics.
The Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures are generously supported by XTX Markets.

[@SilkCrown]

I think what is satisfying about games is playing against an opponent of equal skill, seeing myself improve over time, and the learning process. Random elements detract from each of these aspects that are enjoyable. Playing against someone who is vastly more skilled isn’t the most enjoyable, but it is better than snakes and ladders because at least you get the satisfaction of learning something and still having agency in the game. Many frustrating games are those where you have to ask, “did I lose by chance, or could I have done something better,” and having no way to answer that.

[@ZannNewman]

some random element adds interest to a game, so its not all skill and predefined - you need a balance of skill and luck to make an ideal game

[@letMeSayThatInIrish]

Go is perfect for this. No randomness, and a long, smooth learning curve. You can usually find what you did wrong when reviewing a game, and the main problem is to recall your previous lessons during a game.

[@josephlevin]

As an avid board game and video game player, I found this to be a very interesting lecture. Games are fun, and should be, even with serious subjects in mind, but they do serve a purpose (or at least have an effect): learning. Having a purpose does not preclude the idea that a game is a game. Any ulterior motive of the game players or those moderating the game do not matter to the definition of the game; such motives are adjacent and to a degree, independent, of the game.

[@shivampatel8928]

Awesome.. Very excited

[@reben80]

He mentioned shesh besh in game related to “Royal Game of Ur” and those words mean “ six parts” in kurdish and I believe in Persian too. So it’s not only Hebrew or Turkish as he mentioned

[@playgemji]

Thank you for sharing 🙌

[@gidi1899]

Maybe people do avoid playing against largly better gamers.
I am trying to incorporate a 'how did you do it" conversation with the winners in game night - so we train each other.
In that since I'd love to play with the best.
Still you have really feal the small advancements :)

[@shubhamjain9111]

I love announcing my strategy to players once I win a game and there was a particular strategy involved. That way, the smarter ones won't let the same trick succeed again and again. It also helps us figure out what games have a simple win route and which ones involve fun and chance till the very end

[@rttp-righttothepoint6656]

Whist, or Bid Whist, aka Bid Wiz, aka Jail spades. great card game.

[@gwenroberts8649]

Why is six called Nc3?

[@mrcleanisin]

I just found this video and think it is important, but I have got to do my morning walk before I watch it. I am leaving this comment until I get back to see if anyone is active on this video that might have any thoughts about how the criminal legal system is a type of game that lawyers/barristers must learn to play.

[@josephlevin]

Trump vs Kasparov might be the most interesting game of chess ever played despite knowing who would win.

[@griffinschreiber6867]

You missed the part where a kid derailed the lecture and started talking about ethical trade chocolate and jalpenos.

[@jessicasumait7707]

Over🎁 🤪👑😘

[@meghansullivan2245]

This is the most Gemini-core lecture…

[@sumitbhardwaj5612]

You say so many times that all games are boring. Have you ever played a game like a child. At least you were seeing a child playing games. The real joy in the game is to play like a child and you don't add carrom. Carrom is a beautiful game especially when 4 people are playing and in this game queen is so important and all players put their efforts to get queen